VATH (no, I didn’t forget the Caps on, that’s just how they write it) is a Mercedes-Benz specialized tuner from Germany, and one of the best at that. Their stores include a wide selection of aftermarket body parts and oily bits that generally make the three-pointed star cars go faster or look meaner.
This latest package for the GLA45 AMG crossover makes no exception, catering to the needs of the engine and, to a lesser degree, the exterior design as well. Why don’t we start with the extra power.
VATH offers a two-stage power upgrade for the 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline turbo engine found under GLA45 AMG’s hood. The first one can be considered pretty mild, but only in comparison with what the second boost brings. So, for those a little bit more faint-hearted, VATH is willing to boost power output to 395 hp from the standard 360 hp (this is the pre-facelift version).
This first stage comes with a price tag of 2,356 euros ($2,675) and helps move the GLA45 AMG as fast as 174 mph (280 km/h), but no info on the 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) is provided, though.
The second stage brings a huge increase in power, but with it come all sorts of complications and extra costs. Still, if it gets you 446 hp from a two-liter engine on a compact crossover, we’d say it’s worth it.
A stainless steel down pipe costing 2,000 euros ($2,270) and a valve controlled exhaust system worth 3,439 euros ($3,900) are part of this extended package, but such power demands further modifications such as the 30 mm lowering of the suspension (452 euros or $513) and even a fuel cooler for 1,773 euros ($2,013) and gearbox oil cooler costing 1,249 euros ($1,418).
As for the exterior, VATH has gone gently but with great effect. There’s a carbon fiber package consisting of a front lip spoiler, a rear diffuser and a rear spoiler. The V45 AMG (yes, VATH changes the names of the cars it modifies - good luck with the V-Class, then) rides on 20-inch wheels shod in winter tires (because, you know, winter is coming).
If you add up all those money figures, you'll end up with a pretty expensive transformation, but then again, you also end up with more power than some sports cars with pedigree.
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